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Trump, Coffee and Surviving Uganda

As Ugandans, we’ve been stripped of that luxury at seemingly every turn. It wouldn’t be too bad if it was simply about the right to select the president of our country; that’s par for the course in Africa. We’ve long come to terms with the fact that democracy is purely symbolic here. No, it’s deeper than that. It’s the fact that in every industry, we are faced with a crippling choicelessness, forced to contend with mediocrity, overpriced goods, and low-quality everything.

The Things You'll Fail At

My mum once found me sitting outside, pouting. I can’t recall why I was pouting, but I know the decision to sit outside where all could see was strategic. First, I needed everyone to know I was unhappy without having to say I was unhappy. In a typical African household, you can’t just go ‘heal’ in the darkness - everyone must know you’ve been hurt and why. I mean, is it even a pout if there’s no one to witness it? Second, I needed specific members of the family, a.k.a. my mother, to see me pout.

The road not taken

My palms were sweaty, and words stuck in my throat. My eyes—well, they couldn’t be bothered to do what I had practiced them doing. I couldn't look at you; I couldn't let you see this longing, this feeling of loss since the day you left. You had picked up your keys off the table, paused at the door, and sighed. You didn't look back, nor did you say a word. You just stood there, as if deciding between two impossible tasks. I never thought you would leave. I'll admit it plainly here—I got cocky, fu

What happens in the dark

The nation of Zambia grieved the loss of its founding father, Kenneth Kaunda. A man whose charisma and charm saw him rise in stature on the international scene even as his reputation was in shambles back home. 1960 Zambia was thought to be an African jewel with a bright future- despite the internal tensions between its white minority population and the black Africans. The country enjoyed the benefits of a stable economy held up by it’s lucrative copper exports.

The Zambia Kenneth inherited seem

The things that haunt us- Part 1

Ticket. Check. Outfit. Check. Drink. Double-check. The event was advertised a month ago, and you're beyond ready to spend some hard-earned shillings. You could've gotten the ticket for free, but you don't mind paying, especially when the artist is worth it. You need this. You've been stressed, working yourself to the bone so you can do things like this.

The thing starts at 4 PM, and you're there at 5. But this is Kampala, and most people won't start trickling in until an hour later, two even. Y